Really Struggling Post-Surgery-Need Help!

[blueyedpryncess 10]

Hi everyone! I'm 18 days post-op and I'm having some problems.

I can barely get 30oz of fluids in a day, I'm on soft foods & can't get 4oz down at a meal, I choke trying to swallow my regular medications & I constantly feel sick, nauseous, weak, throat feels almost like it's swollen or I have a sore throat & I have poops occasionally! (Sorry if that's TMI)! Talk to the doctor's office & they just keep saying it will pass. Any suggestions? Anyone feeling anything similar?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Lots of us couldn't eat 4 oz at 18 days....pretty normal. My suggestion is to sip sip sip on Water all day. Hang in there!

[liannatx 897]

Are you taking an acid reducer? If not, stomach acid could be causing the sore throat and nausea. If you aren't taking a PPI ask your doctor if that might help.

As for not being able to eat 4 oz... I couldnt either. I was able to easily get my fluids in, but on soft foods 2 oz was what I weighed out and ate per meal (per my Dr. guidelines). 2oz was pretty much my capacity for the first 2 months,,, even now at 7 months I can only eat about 3.5 oz of meats and solids.

The most important thing right now is to work on your Fluid intake. Sip on liquids all day, your body can use fat stores for energy, but it cant make the 64+ oz of Fluid you need to be getting. Dehydration will make you feel weak and awful.

[blueyedpryncess 10]

I went back to the hospital for dehydration once & I'm really trying to avoid it. I don't know why I have such trouble getting my fluids down. I used to chug my drinks, lol!!!

Thank you for the input. It's helpful to just discuss it with people who understand. ????

[longjohs 11]

I am having trouble too, I thin it's because it takes so long to get so little in...

[WorkinOnMe 596]

At 18 days I was eating 3-4 oz SLLOOWWWWWLLLYY! I sipped my fluids all day long and was lucky to get 24-30oz. Set a timer for every 2 minutes and sip 1-2 oz each time the timer goes off. This helped me to get used to the regular sipping. The weakness & nausea is normal, as is the odd feeling in your throat. It too about a month for me to start feeling "normal" again.

[sshawk69 17]

I'm 8weeks out I can't eat 4oz at a time. Try with 1 oz for a few days and then bring up to 2oz. This will help you get your 60oz of Water in. Timer worked good for me. Are you drinking a Protein Shake?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

You can't chug because you just had major surgery on your tummy and it's still healing. Like mentioned sip all day long. When eating go snails pace slow. At this point fluids are more important. Keep sipping but keep in mind that it takes most people a week or 2, sometimes more to work up to a minimum of 64 ounces.

[blueyedpryncess 10]

Thanks, guys! I'm glad I'm not alone. I really appreciate the feedback. I'm not really too concerned with the food but I'm scared to death of not getting enough fluids in & having to go back to the hospital!

[bibleajosc 10]

I'm about exactly the same as you! I'm 21 days and was starting to do a bit better but the fluids are so difficult. Water still hurts. My dr has me doing diluted apple juice with no sugar and add lemon to water. It helps but I'm nowhere near 64 oz. my dr says do the best I can and I'll get there. I'm making sure I do a Protein Shake and feel like I'm drinking constantly.

[Basia 2]

I'm 17 days out and can only eat 2oz at a time. I bought a bunch of plastic 2oz cups an lids at Walmart to help with Portion Control. If the lid doesn't close its too much. I'm finally starting to feel hungry and have a little more energy. My NUT said that the 64 oz is a goal and it will take time to get there. Good luck and as others have said tiny sips all day.

[blueyedpryncess 10]

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling too. The apple juice didn't work for me but maybe I'll try lemon in my Water. We'll get thru this!!

[Debbieduck4 399]

Like others have said, keep drinking. And if you are able to drink more than eat, maybe try making some smoothies with Protein in them. Have you tried the GENEPRO Protein powder? Its tasteless and can be mixed in anything hot or cold with no lumps or bumps. 30 grams of Protein in one tablespoon. It has been a lifesaver for me. As far as your ounces, I wouldn't even worry about that. Really. Just eat what you can as you go here at the beginning. You will be able to eat a little more each week as your tummy heals and you will get more of a regular mealtime routine down. Right now, its about liquids and trying to get in some protein. Good luck on your journey!

[blueyedpryncess 10]

Wow! I'm going to get some of that Protein Powder to try!

Thank you so much for the advice & understanding. ????????????

[seaux_beautiful_vsg 63]

I'm at 5 weeks out as of Thursday and I am not getting all my fluids in either. I'm also not up to a full 3 or 4 oz. I can do maybe 2 oz at a time and that is a struggle. I have to be very cognizant of eating slowly, otherwise I end up sick and nauseous.